day, and
grief would soon have terminated her existence, had it not been hastened
by the cruelty of Cain, who, upon an expostulation on her part, followed
up with a denunciation of the consequences of his guilty career, struck
her with such violence that she sank under the blow. She expired with a
prayer that her child might be rescued from a life of guilt; and when
the then repentant Cain promised what he never did perform, she blessed
him, too, before she died.

Such was the substance of the narrative, as far as it related to the
unfortunate mother of these two young men, who, when they had concluded,
sat hand-in-hand in mournful silence. This, however, was soon broken by
the innumerable questions asked by Edward of his brother, as to what he
could remember of their ill-fated parent, which were followed up by the
history of Francisco's eventful life.

"And the treasure, Edward," said Francisco; "I cannot take possession of
it."

"No, nor shall you either," replied Edward; "it belongs to the captors,
and must be shared as prize-money. You will never touch one penny of
it, but I shall, I trust, pocket a very fair proportion of it! However,
keep this paper, as it is addressed to you."

The admiral had been made acquainted with all the particulars of the
eventful trial, and had sent a message to Edward, requesting that, as
soon as he and his brother could make it convenient, he would be happy
to see them at the Penn, as well as the daughter of the Spanish
governor, whom he must consider as being under his protection during the
time that she remained at Port Royal. This offer was gladly accepted by
Clara; and on the second day after the trial they proceeded up to the
Penn. Clara and Francisco were introduced, and apartments and suitable
attendance provided for the former.

"Templemore," said the admiral, "I'm afraid I must send you away to
Porto Rico, to assure the governor of his daughter's safety."

"I would rather you would send some one else, sir, and I'll assure her
happiness in the meantime."

"What! by marrying her? Humph! you've a good opinion of yourself! Wait
till you're a captain, sir."

"I hope I shall not have to wait long, sir," replied Edward, demurely.

"By-the-bye," said the admiral, "did you not say you have notice of
treasure concealed in those islands?"

"My brother has: I have not."

"We must send for it. I think we must send you, Edward. Mr Francisco,
you must go with him."